Dave Bautista Talks ‘Spectre’, WWE Return, Working With The Rock, More

Former WWE champion Dave Bautista is making big waves in Hollywood. In addition to playing Drax the Destroyer in the upcoming sequel to his first massive hit, Guardians of the Galaxy, Bautista will be playing Mr. Hinx in the new James Bond film, Spectre. However, he’s still got an eye on the world of pro wrestling, which he credits with giving him the tools to succeed in the world of Hollywood.

In an interview with WWE.com, Bautista (where he worked under the one letter-shortened name “Batista”) talked about his role in Spectre, his favorite part about working in WWE, the possibility of working with The Rock, and the chance of a WWE return. It’s an eye-opening interview that illustrates the humility that Bautista still shows, despite his star rising in the entertainment industry. Maybe his previous run didn’t live up to expectations, but it’s clear that he still has a deep love for the wrestling business. I’d be shocked if he didn’t come back at some point, even in a non-wrestling role. Anyway, you can check out highlights from his interview with WWE.com below (for the full interview, click here):

WWE.COM: Did you find yourself [as Mr. Hinx] bringing in any of your old WWE mannerisms or influences into that mindset?

BATISTA: Not intentionally. I remember [Jim Ross] saying way back when I was in OVW, “Your face is where you make your money.” I always took that to heart and it was something I always worked on. I always had really good relationships with the WWE cameramen. I knew to make sure they’d find me and I’d find them, and they’d see the look on my face and that would tell a whole story. So, I think it was a talent I developed over the years, but I didn’t intentionally bring it. I think it was already there. I think it’s part of why I got the job.

WWE.COM: Changing speeds a little bit: where would we be more likely to see you with The Rock — on a movie set or in the ring at WrestleMania?

BATISTA: That’s a good question. I would take either opportunity. At this point, you’re more likely to see us in the ring together. If you flash back to WrestleMania XX, that would be the only time. I don’t have any plans right now to return to the ring or to do a film with Dwayne, but I would jump at the chance for either opportunity.

WWE.COM: Is that something that’s in the back of your mind, finding your way back into a WWE ring?

BATISTA: I miss it so much. What I really thought was so interesting is the way that Chris Jericho went back and did Live Events. Live Events are fun, man. It’s really just all about you and the audience. I always just loved that. I’m passionate about it. I’m proud to be a pro wrestler because I love it.